Last Day in Tokyo and Recollection of the First Days

Wow, so the last day in Tokyo. It was nice staying here, although a bit stressful at times with the orientations and the sightseeing. Nevertheless, it was fun and I think that I can safely say that Tokyo has become one of my favorite cities in the World. You can do so much here, such that everyday is something new and exciting. I think it especially helped having Ambrose to hang out with.

So what eventful events happened in the first two days.

Well first of all, living in a 5-star Hotel for the past 3 days have been exciting and have offered me a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Although JET wanted me to stay in the hotel my entire 3 days, I was glad to have the chance to go out and enjoy Tokyo. I learned to ride the trains for the first time, which was very exciting. Although I had no transfers to other lines, riding to Shibuya proved to be pretty education. Especially just now, when I the train got so crowded that the girls around me felt like they were raping me. It was wierd because I was more bothered by my hand on their butt then they were. Guess stuff like that in Tokyo is pretty common.

My first time in Shibuya, I accidentally walked around a girls store for 15 minutes searching for a guys clothing store. When I finally got the hint, (through wierd looks from both girls and guys) I finally asked one of the employees where I could find the men's stores. He said something in Japanese, but I wasn't in any shape to understand it as I have been burnt out and Jet lagged (excuse the pun), for the past 3 days.

In fact, orientation was the past 2 days, today being the worst. Prefectural orientation with all the JETs from Hokkaido was hell because there was so much confusion about the luggage we were suppose to check in today, for tomorrows flight. My bag weighed 30kg but the weight limit was 15kg (which is like nothing, 34lbs). I had to empty most of my stuff into a box I bought and get the tokkyubin (shipping company) to ship my stuff down to my host prefecture. The bad side of this is that I'll get there before my stuff does.

I also hope that the cargo I sent to Hokkaido, right off the plane from Tokyo will have made it safely to Kamikawa. I'm most concerned about my sticks. Anything else should arrive a few days after I do.

Today, I chilled with Ambrose again, and we did some shopping in Shinjuku, which was a worthwhile experience. I learned about some of the stores, and although I never really bought anything, except a bag from Uniqlo (nothing else was interesting or worth it, I needed the bag for my laptop hand carry tomorrow on the flight to Sapporo), I got to see the nicest Burberry Black Label coat I have laid my eyes on. Unfortunately its approx. $500 CDN, and I don't have that much to spend. Perhaps, if I come back in December, I'll have a chance to buy something just as nice.

I had my first foreign cigarette today. It was a good experience as well, especially since I didn't have to buy a pack. I probably won't smoke that much, but it is tempting considering a pack in japan costs about 350 Yen, or $3 CDN. Its ridiculously cheap.

I got to use a spray toilet in Japan. Never again! It felt tooo wierd.

Vending machines are amazing here, they're everywhere and offer pretty cheap drinks (120 Yen, approx. $100 CDN for stuff you buy at T&T for $2 CDN). Haven't seen anything other than drink ones (no booze) and cigarettes.

Anyway, I'm tired and have to wake up at 7:00 or so tomorrow for my flight to Sapporo, Hokkaido. Hopefully I'll be able to chill in Haneda (or Narita, which ever we go to) and buy a nice brand name wallet there. If not I can atleast buy manga and study it on the plane. I will then meet my host supervisor after I arrive and then we head to Kamikawa. We'll probably have a Enkai at night. Should be pretty overwhelming, but I think I'm pretty used to it now. Anyway, shower time and sleep time. I'll give pictures on facebook with captions later. Also I'll blog what I can recollect of Tokyo later, after I upload my pictures.

Good Night, or Good Morning if you live in Edmonton!

Anyway, I'm tired and

In Shinjuku

Hey Guys,
Sorry haven't had much time to blog. I can't believe that I'm in Shinjuku right now, its really awesome. Haven't had much time to go sight seeing, other than Ambrose taking me out last night, but I've tried to avoid most of the JET stuff in favor of viewing All of Tokyo with what little time I have.

It was a fun night with Ambrose, we went to a couple of bars in Kabuki-Cho, the red light district and drank beer all night. We also had the experience of being harassed by employees of hostess bars and restaurants to enter their establishment. It was mostly Ambrose's fault because he was wearing a suit and apparently wearing a suit makes people think your a big spender.

Anyway, I don't have much time as I have to contact my predecessor in Tokyo and ask her where to have Dinner. I'm skipping a seminar (45 mins in length) about Japanese Food. I'm a fairly open guy when it comes to food, so I figure whats the point, I'm gonna try everything I don't really care.

I'll write more about my first few days here when I get settled down in Kamikawa. Pictures will also be coming, so don't worry. Anyway, I'll talk to you guys later, its hot and humid here, I hope its not as bad in Edmonton.

I'm here in Calgary

Last day in Canada and I'm stuck having it in Calgary. I guess its a different view than Edmonton but I'd much rather be spending the last day at home and leaving from there. Sleeping on someone else's bed doesn't offer the same amount of comfort that my bed has (especially the tempurmatic orthopedic memory phone mat). But I guess I can't bitch and complain, because if I wasn't staying a friends place, I'd be at a hotel with all the JETs doing who knows what.

Today I had my orientation and met many people on the same journey as me, which makes me feel a little better knowing that I'm not alone. The orientation was torturous as I only had 2 hours of sleep the night before. Not sure what the reson was but I just couldn't sleep. Breaks for lunch, allowed me to go shopping in downtown Holt Renfrew, which had some cheap ass sale going on, just like the Edmonton branch. I spent $200 there, and was able to buy 1 Hugo Boss Tie, a Dunham Tie, 2 pairs of Polo Socks, and 1 pair of G-star Jeans. I saved a lot trust me, it was well worth it to pay $200 for all those. The jeans themselves were originally $210, I paid $68. (They have a sale were they take 20% off the sale price). The ties were about $60, which is awesome for high end stuff, cheaper than stuff at Banana Republic. I also bought a short sleeve dress shirt at BR, despite what you guys think. Goes to show you I don't conform to group mentality! :P

Had Krispy Kreme at night and will probably have it again tomorrow morning for breakfast. The plane leaves at 12:00 tomorrow from Calgary, which will then go to Vancouver. From Vancouver I'll fly to Narita Airport in Tokyo. Total Flight time 10hrs. Lucky for me theres my laptop and a plug in on the plane. Also there's TV screens on the back of each seat. That's sweet. So the big dillema I'll have to solve tomorrow is whether to watch my Japanese Dramas, or the on board movies. The decision will be made when I find out what movies those are. Bet you they suck.

I'll arrive in Tokyo at 3:30 or so (their time), and from there I head down to Shinjuku(a 2 hour drive! wtf), to the Keio Plaza Hotel, where I will have my orientations and my lodgings. Not looking forward to the shared rooms, but I guess I got no choice. Its not like I get to share my room with 2 girls, otherwise it'd be a totally different story. On the 3rd day in Tokyo, I'll pack my stuff and head to Hokkaido, where I get to meet the Mayor, the Board of Education staff members, and then possibly go drinking/eating with them. Should be a very busy week. Hopefully I'll have internet installed ASAP. I can't live without it.

Anyway thats all for me for now. I'll talk to you guys in a bit. Hope you guys had fun at Les' thingy, wish I could be there. I assume that he ws doing his scottish accent bit and then puking half an hour later.

Its Been a While Since Blogging...

But its time to start up again. Mostly, because I'm going to Japan to teach English for ONE year (thats for you Dave, but know that I can extend and you can visit me anytime you choose, you'll always have a free hotel room). I'm taking some time off of packing and using it to blog and nurse my soul (so to speak).

This last week has been really emotional and surreal. I can't believe that I'm leaving Edmonton for atleast a year, and with it, leaving all my friends and family. I think the biggest emotional obstacle I've had to overcome was leaving my Mom. (Yes, I am a momma's boy.) I pretty much teared up thinking about her in the car on the drive to George H. Luck today. I don't know why, but being half way around the world from my mom hit me pretty hard in the car. I've always been, atleast in the same city as her, but 3 days from now everything will be different. I'm sure it'll hit me again when I leave the airport with my Dad and Stepmom.

This evening, hanging out with my friends one last time felt normal. It was a nice change than with the emotional onset with my mother. I think if it was my last day to see them ever, this is how I would of wanted it. I'll miss you guys thats for sure. The years I've hung out with you guys have been ones that I'm proud of. You guys are awesome.

I'm glad for internet, because soon in a week or so, I'll be negging my friends and my family again with my presence on the internet. Although it won't be the same as hanging out with them in person, it'll have to do until I return from Japan.

So since it maybe a week or two before I have internet again and have something in my mind to say to you guys, I'll leave some of you guys with a message on my blog (in alphabetical order by last name, except my parents come first, you know why!). Think of it as a thanks, for all the years you've backed me up. If I've left you out, it doesn't mean ur not important, it just means I don't know what to say to you guys! (I'll talk to you on MSN tho!).

Anyway here I go:

To my paternal parents: Thanks for raising me and supporting me, even now. Hopefully I can make you guys proud. Don't complain when I contact you in a few days asking for money. One of the responsibilities of a parent is to provide for his child, even if his child is 40 years old and your retired. :P

To my step-parents: Even though I've known you for a shorter time, it doesn't mean you mean less to me. You've guys have still supported me without much question, and for that I thank you. Be sure to take care of your significant other for me, they're a handful sometimes, well atleast to me.

Kingsley Chan: You've been a brother to me since Jr. High. We go way back, thanks for being someone I talk to, and can get along with so easily. If you get married to Sharlene when I'm in Japan and I can't attend the ceremony, I'm gonna kill you! :P

Christine (Sunshinez): $30Gs on clothes. YOUR CRAZY! Waterfight when I come back.

Perry Chung: Damn, we've been friends for a long time. Remember when you kicked my cousin in the neck? Because I DO! Good Luck in Montreal man, make it great.

Dave Chung: Jeez man, hanging out with you has given me the opportunities to watch awesome movies and play great games I might not otherwise experience. Once you get famous writing, remember who I am, I might need you to support me for life.

Josh Ferry: Josh, its been a pleasure meeting you, glad to finally have a non-asian in the group. (Don't tell the asians I was getting tired of them :P). Remember that if somebody pisses you off really bad in the league, take off your skate and threaten them, just like happy gilmore. Then call it self defense in court. I'll be your lawyer.

Joho: You bought me 16 shots...I won't forget....You'll get them back...

Hiromi: I saved that picture of you at that Summer camp when you were a kid. So it doesn't matter if you remove tag. Thats all gonna come back to you at your wedding, so Louis won't be the only one to be embarressed. And you better not have it without me when I'm in Japan.

Dave Jang: Hey man! I'll see you in Asian sometime!

Louis Lai: It's been a pleasure playing hockey with you. Try not to turn too black before I get back, I might not recognize you. Try not to buy too many custom Nike Bauer sticks, I might have to come back and steal them from you, fellow left hander.

Alex Lam: Hey man, its been great chilling with you this last month. Try not to look so mad all the time. Also, stop playing WoW, unless it'll land you a girlfriend. I'll try to find you one in Japan, but telling them you played D&D with me isn't gonna help either of us...

Thomas Ng: We've know each other since High School, stealing food from the food bank. Remember, NG stands for never gone, that is, never gone from Edmonton, working the same job for the rest of your life. Haha, I'm sure life will never get boring for you, even if you stay in Edmonton all your life. Especially with the new custom Nike Bauer stick maker at United Cycle. If you don't get a girlfriend when I come back, I'll find one for you. I know a pretty hot one, her initials are BD: blow-up doll.

Dave Gugenz: Last few weeks have been fun, what with D&D, Samurai Swords and Dreamcast, all at your house. I'm waiting for the day when I come back and you totally own me at Capcom vs. SNK 2. Keep practicing man, try not to work too hard!

Jeremy: Good luck in med man. Your gonna be one awesome doctor and still in school when I come back. Which means we can make another intramural soccer team!

Sam Szeto: When I come back, we're gonna eat Arby's. Not having cow beef for one year will make me crazy. Keep taking akward pictures of our friends and send them over to me in Japan. I think you have some special ability to capture people in the wierdest poses. You should be on Heroes!

Geoffrey Tan: GODDAMIT! Stop playing videogames! :P

Michael Wong: BCM, It's the last time your gonna hear it from me for a year. When I come back, your gonna beg me to keep calling you that cause you'll miss it so much. Or you'll be in jail for killing Tmo cause he called you BCM one too many times.

Simon Wong: So, when I come back, will I all ur parts in your car be aftermarket?

Bernice Yee: Remember to floss after every meal. Wood attracts a different type of bacteria that can be even more corrosive to your teeth then the natural population of bacteria you would have, had you had a normal human diet. Sorry, couldn't help it.

Leslie Yiu: I hope we'll be partying in Hong Kong and Tokyo this X-mas man. Try not to attract to many girls. Also, keep the scottish accent to a minimum.

Andrew Yoo & Francis Saunobane: When's the marriage?

To the Tsunami Boys: Good luck in the playoffs, and do me proud.

To guys in Sunday Night Hockey: If you guys keep playing every week, for sure you'll improve. I won't be surprised if your much better than me when I get back. If any of the oilers come out to play with you guys, call me 48 hours in advance, I'll make sure I can get back and play.

So thats it for now. I guess next chance I get, I'll blog again. It maybe tomorrow when I'm in Calgary, I have no idea. But I'll leave you with those words for you to soak in. I'll miss you guys, thats for sure, but I'll be back, more annoying then ever in a few years.